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Noun: patina (patinas,patinae)  pa-ti-nu
  1. A fine coating of oxide (produced by oxidation over a long period of time) on the surface of a metal (particularly copper)
    "The bronze statue had developed a beautiful green patina over the centuries"
     
  2. An acquired change in the appearance of something (other than metal or wood)
    "a patina of frost"; "a patina of good breeding"
     
  3. A gloss or sheen on wooden furniture produced by age, polishing, or handling
    "The antique desk had a rich patina that spoke of its long history"

Derived forms: patinae, patinas

Type of: coat, coating

Encyclopedia: Patina